ARE YOUR HANDS CLEAN??

December 1st through the 7th is National Handwashing Awareness Week. As such, it is the perfect opportunity for you and your family to go over the importance of handwashing. Regular handwashing helps prevent the spread of germs during this time of cold and flu.

The Importance of Handwashing
Children are susceptible to illness and can get sicker more easily, due to immune systems that aren't fully developed. It is important to remember handwashing must be done regularly throughout the day.

How to Wash Your Hands Correctly
It might seem silly, but learning how to wash your hands correctly is important, and a great time to do this is during National Handwashing Awareness Week. You should be using soap and very warm water, though not too hot as it can burn your hands. Make sure to rub your hands together, scrubbing all of your hands and fingers, for at least 15 seconds. A good rule of thumb is to sing the entire Happy Birthday song while handwashing. After scrubbing, rinse your hands and dry with a clean towel (usually a paper towel). It is helpful to use the paper towel for turning off the faucet.

The Rules of Handwashing
The general rules for handwashing and keeping your hands clean are:

Avoid placing your fingers in your hair, eyes, mouth or nose.

Don't touch other people with unclean hands.

Always wash your hands after dealing with pets, using the restroom, handling money or changing diapers.

Wash your hands even if they aren't currently dirty.

Wash your hands before eating.

Wash your hands after coughing or sneezing.

Next to getting your flu shot, washing your hands is the best way to help prevent the spread of flu germs. Even though you and your family are likely washing your hands as you should, it helps to remind everyone during this time of cold and flu season